Personal radio service


A personal radio service is any system that allows individual to operate radio transmitters and receivers for personal purposes with minimal or no special license or individual authorization. Personal radio services exist around the world and typically use light-weight walkie talkie portable radios. The power output, antenna size, and technical characteristics of the equipment are set by regulations in each country. Many regions have standardized personal radio service rules to allow travelers from one country to use their equipment in another country. Examples of standardized services include PMR446 and FM Citizens Band Radio in the EU and several other countries/regions. 26–27 MHz CB radio is the oldest personal radio service and is used in nearly every country worldwide, with many countries and regions copying the United States 40-channel frequency plan. In many countries, CB radio is less popular due to the availability of other personal radio services that offer shorter antennas, better protection from noise and interference.
Because radio spectrum allocation varies around the world, a personal radio service device may not be usable outside its original area of purchase. For example, US-specification Family Radio Service radios operate on frequencies that in Europe are allocated to fire and emergency services. Operation of a personal radio device that cause interference to other services may result in prosecution. Some personal radio service frequency plans are regionally accepted, for example, the European PMR446 system is available in many countries, and the American FRS/GMRS system's channel plans have been adopted by Canada, Mexico and some countries in South America.

Operating characteristics

Specific details vary between the different national services, but many personal radio services operate in the VHF or UHF part of the radio spectrum, using frequency modulation and a maximum power of only a few watts. Operation is on predetermined channels. Unlike commercial business, marine, aviation, or emergency services radio, all users in an area share access to the available channels, requiring cooperation for effective communications. Unlike amateur radio, experimentation with different types of apparatus, and modes of modulation is not permitted, and equipment must be factory-built and approved. Many of these services require non-removable antennas or place restrictions on antenna size, height or gain. The high-VHF band and UHF bands are the most popular aside from the 25–28 MHz "HF CB" bands. There are notable exceptions to this, including the 78 MHz and 245 MHz Thai "CB 78" and "CB 245" VHF-FM bands, the 68–71 MHz Finnish band, the 30–31 MHz Swedish "Hunting Radio" band, and the 43 MHz Italian "VHF CB" bands. The lower frequency allocations often exhibit propagation and communication range characteristics similar to 27 MHz CB radio. Higher frequencies are almost exclusively line-of-sight.
These services are different from cellular mobile telephone systems in that no infrastructure is required; communications is point-to-point directly between users. However, this also means that communication range is usually limited to line-of-sight propagation, a few kilometres under the best of circumstances, and much less in heavily built up urban areas. Also unlike mobile telephones, operation is push-to-talk; a user must wait for the shared frequency to be clear before transmitting, and all stations on the frequency may hear the transmission. Since both stations are on the same frequency, the receiving station cannot interrupt the transmitter until it has finished. Generally only voice transmission is allowed under personal radio service regulations, although tone and digital selective calling features are allowed in some countries. Some services permit digital data transmission, either as part of digital "text messaging" and GPS location "sharing" with other nearby radios, or the services themselves involve digital voice and data transmissions.

Family Radio Service and derivatives

United States

In the United States, the Family Radio Service was authorized starting in 1996. Initially, it used half-watt hand-held FM UHF radios with 14 fixed channels near 462 and 467 MHz. For a time dual-standard FRS and General Mobile Radio Service radios were available, that could be operated without individual licensing on the FRS channels, but which required a license to operate on the GMRS frequencies at a power level above the FRS standard. In May 2017 the regulations were changed so that FRS service included operation at up to 2 watts on GMRS channels, and prohibiting the use of dual-standard radios in FRS service that would exceed the 2 watt limit.

Canada

American-standard FRS radios have been approved for use in Canada since April 2000. The revised technical standard RSS 210 has essentially the same technical requirements as in the United States. Since September 2004, low-power GMRS radios and dual-standard FRS/GMRS radios have also been approved for use in Canada, giving additional channels. In Canada, no license is required and no restrictions are imposed on the GMRS channels.

Mexico

Since tourists often bring their FRS radios with them, and since trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is of great value to all three countries, the Mexican Secretary of Communication and Transportation has authorized use of the FRS frequencies and equipment similar to that in the US. Dual-mode FRS/GMRS equipment is not approved in Mexico, so caution should be exercised in operating hybrid FRS/GMRS devices purchased elsewhere.

South America

Dual-mode GMRS/FRS equipment is also approved in Brazil and most other South American countries. Portable radios are heavily used in private communications, mainly by security staff in nightclubs and malls, but also in private parking, maintenance, and delivery services.

Using other UHF and VHF frequencies

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, the 77-channel UHF CB citizen's band near 477 MHz is used for a similar purpose. In New Zealand hand-held transceivers are "class licensed" and require no individual registration. Repeaters may be used, but these require individual station licences. The Australian Communications and Media Authority also allocated a band near 434 MHz for low-powered devices with low potential for interference to other users of the band.

Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission allows for use of the 26–27 MHz Citizen's Band allocation from 26.965 to 27.405 MHz. BTRC also permits usage of "Short Business Radio" in the 245.000 to 246.000 MHz band. This is the same 245 MHz CB allocation as Thailand and uses the same channel plan. The BTRC considers both the 26–28 MHz CB and 245–246 MHz SBR allocations to be shared resources and all users must share the channels with other users of these two bands.

China

In China, Hong Kong and Macau, the Public Radio Service is a personal radio service similar to the American-style FRS. Twenty UHF channels near 409 MHz are allocated. Sometimes this is called "Citizen Band" or CB in China, but not to be confused with the Citizens Band radio within the 27 MHz band. FRS/GMRS or PMR446 radios are not approved for use in China.
FRS band radios may be found in use in China illegally, starting before the Chinese government opened the 409 MHz band to the public. Legal action against such usage is rare, because of the low power and short range of FRS radios.
List of China Public Radio Service Channels:
ChannelFrequency
1409.7500
2409.7625
3409.7750
4409.7875
5409.8000
6409.8125
7409.8250
8409.8375
9409.8500
10409.8625
11409.8750
12409.8875
13409.9000
14409.9125
15409.9250
16409.9375
17409.9500
18409.9625
19409.9750
20409.9875

Europe

In Europe, PMR446 is a personal radio service with two sets of 16 channels and one set of 8 channels available for a total of 40 channels. The original PMR446 allocation for 16 channels from 446.00625 MHz to 446.19375 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing steps has been complemented with two digital channel plans. Digital FDMA offers another 16 channels from 446.103125 MHz to 446.196875 MHz with 6.25 kHz channel spacing steps. 4-level FSK modulation at 3.6 kbit/s is used. Digital DMR Tier I TDMA PMR446 channels are also available, eight channels from 446.10625 MHz to 446.19375 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing steps. 4-level FSK modulation at 3.6 kbit/s is used. All three of the PMR446 channel plans occupy the same European-harmonized 446.0 MHz to 446.2 MHz frequency band.
One cannot legally use the FRS radio in Europe or PMR446 in the U.S. The 446 MHz band is allocated to amateur radio in the United States. In Great Britain, FRS frequencies are used for fire brigade communications and this sometimes causes problems when FRS equipment is imported from the U.S. and used without awareness of the consequences by members of the public. A similar situation exists with the German Freenet VHF CB allocation, the American MURS VHF CB allocation, and the Australian/New Zealand UHF CB allocation at 476–477 MHz. Use of Australian UHF CB equipment in the United States would cause severe interference to public safety communications, especially in larger metropolitan areas.
European countries also have LPD devices operating in the 433 MHz band; these devices are restricted to 10 mW output power and are intended to provide an alternative to PMR446 over short distances. Additionally, most European countries allow use of the 26.965 – 27.405 MHz US FCC Citizen's Band Radio allocation. Some countries allow more channels or other modes. Many countries allow the use of both AM and FM modulation, with some allowing the use of SSB as well.

Finland

Finland has a 26-channel mid-band VHF-FM allocation called "RHA68" consisting of "common channels for hobby usage in general". No license, examination or fee is required to operate in the RHA68 band. The channels may be referred to by their sequential number or by alphanumeric designation per Finnish law. Power limit is 5 watts for hand-portable stations and 25 watts for mobile stations on all of group A channels and on group E channels 15, 16 and 18–21. Base stations may only be used on group A channels with maximum transmitting power of 15 watts.
Channel group A
ChannelFrequencyUsagePower limit
168.100 MHzRoadside assistance organizations25 W
268.300 MHzMotor sports25 W
368.425 MHzVoluntary rescue service25 W
468.525 MHzMotor sports25 W
1768.225 MHzVoluntary rescue service25 W

Channel group E
ChannelFrequencyUsagePower limit
568.050 MHzGeneral use5 W
668.575 MHzGeneral use5 W
768.175 MHzGeneral use5 W
867.500 MHzGeneral use5 W
971.375 MHzGeneral use5 W
1071.425 MHzGeneral use5 W
1171.475 MHzGeneral use5 W
1271.625 MHzGeneral use5 W
1370.200 MHzGeneral use5 W
1471.025 MHzGeneral use5 W
1571.050 MHzGeneral use25 W
1671.100 MHzGeneral use25 W
1868.375 MHzGeneral use25 W
1971.175 MHzGeneral use25 W
2071.750 MHzGeneral use25 W
2171.900 MHzGeneral use25 W
2271.350 MHzGeneral use5 W
2371.550 MHzGeneral use5 W
2471.575 MHzGeneral use5 W
2571.600 MHzGeneral use5 W
2672.325 MHzGeneral use5 W

Germany

In addition to license-free PMR446, CB and SRD/LPD433 radio, Germany has a VHF-FM allocation called Freenet that allows a maximum of 1 W of power on six channels in the 149 MHz band.
  1. 149.0250 MHz
  2. 149.0375 MHz
  3. 149.0500 MHz
  4. 149.0875 MHz
  5. 149.1000 MHz
  6. 149.1125 MHz
The Freenet allocation is a re-purposing of the old B-Netz mobile telephone service. It is similar in scope and purpose to the Multi-Use Radio Service in the United States, and the “Jagtradio” services in Norway and Sweden.

India

India has a 13-channel UHF-FM service known as "Short Range Radio" or "SRR" that operates in the 350.225–350.400 MHz band with a maximal output power of 2 watts. FM mode is used with 12.5 kHz channel spacing.
  1. 350.2250 MHz
  2. 350.2625 MHz
  3. 350.2750 MHz
  4. 350.2875 MHz
  5. 350.3000 MHz
  6. 350.3125 MHz
  7. 350.3250 MHz
  8. 350.3375 MHz
  9. 350.3500 MHz
  10. 350.3625 MHz
  11. 350.3750 MHz
  12. 350.3875 MHz
  13. 350.4000 MHz
In August 2005, India deregulated the 26.957–27.283 MHz band for license-free CB radio usage with a maximum power output of 5 watts. The channel plan follows channels 1–27 from the standard 40 channel CB plan originally adopted by the United States. Channel 1 is 26.965 and channel 27 is 27.275 MHz. Use of frequencies below 26.965 or above 27.275 is not permitted in India. Multi-norm mobile CB radios are now being shipped with the 27 channel India CB frequency plan programmed in them.

Indonesia

Two frequency bands available: VHF-FM and UHF-FM.
Indonesia allows 40 channels from 476.425 MHz to 477.400 MHz at 25 kHz channel spacing. It is the same channel plan as the original 40 channel Australia/New Zealand UHF CB allocation. Indonesia also has a 60-channel VHF-FM service available from 142.050 MHz to 143.525 MHz. Indonesia also permits usage of the standardized 26.965–27.405 MHz HF CB band with AM/SSB modes allowed.
The new frequency allocations were regulated in a decision by the Director General of Posts and Telecommunications in decree Number 92 Year 1994 on Implementing Regulation of the Inter-Citizens Radio Communications.

Italy

Italy allows use of the European standardized 40 channel 26/27 MHz CB band, plus a 34 channel allocation from 26.875 MHz to 27.245 MHz, giving Italian HF CB a total of 49 channels between to two CB bands. In addition to this, Italy has a "VHF CB" allocation at 43 MHz, usually called "Apparati a 43 MHz" or "CB 43 MHz". Italy, like many other countries, suffers from extremely lax enforcement of radio communications laws, and "freeband" modified equipment covering wider frequency ranges as well as amplifiers are widely available and openly advertised by communications equipment vendors. "Freebanding" occurs with both the 27 MHz area and the 43 MHz area. There is evidence of these frequencies being used outside of Italy for illegal "CB-like" operations.
Italian 43 MHz "VHF CB" or "43 MHz CB" allocation. 24 channels, FM mode, 12.5 kHz channel spacing. Each channel has a "recommended use" associated with it. Portable handheld, in-vehicle mobile and base station transceivers are available for this band. Channels are numbered in straight sequence, however many transceivers marketed for this band also include a frequency display. Due to the low-VHF band frequency characteristics of this band, it is often used as an adjunct to, or replacement for, the traditional 26–27 MHz CB allocations.
  1. 43.3000 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  2. 43.3125 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  3. 43.3250 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  4. 43.3375 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  5. 43.3500 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  6. 43.3625 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  7. 43.3750 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  8. 43.3875 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  9. 43.4000 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  10. 43.4125 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  11. 43.4250 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  12. 43.4375 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  13. 43.4500 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use, Marinas and Harbors
  14. 43.4625 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use, Marinas and Harbors
  15. 43.4750 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use, Marinas and Harbors
  16. 43.4875 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use, Marinas and Harbors
  17. 43.5000 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  18. 43.5125 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  19. 43.5250 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  20. 43.5375 MHz – to aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  21. 43.5500 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  22. 43.5625 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  23. 43.5750 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  24. 43.5875 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.

    Japan

Japan has several services in the VHF and UHF bands:
Japan's service is limited to 10 mW in the 420, 421, and 422 MHz bands. It is called "Tokutei Shoudenryoku Musen".
351MHz UHF-Digital service for Leisure and Business use. Radios must be regist and equipped with a built-in control ROM for automatic digital callsign identification.
142 & 146MHz VHF-Digital "Personal Radio" service for Personal, Leisure and Family use. Radios must be equipped with a GPS and built-in control ROM for automatic digital callsign identification.
Norway has a Short distance radio service with six UHF FM channels between 444.600 and 444.975 MHz. Some dual-mode KDR/PMR radios are sold but are only usable in Sweden and Norway. Norway has a 6 channel VHF FM Jaktradio service, maximum power 5 watts. Because both Norway and Sweden have high-band VHF FM hunting allocations, many hunting radios are marketed with both the 6 Norse channels and 7 Swedish channels in one unit.
  1. 143.900 MHz
  2. 139.400 MHz
  3. 143.350 MHz
  4. 138.850 MHz
  5. 143.250 MHz
  6. 138.750 MHz

    Philippines

The Philippines has a radio service for use of families and small businesses. This service is called SRRS or Short Range Radio Service. Repeaters are not permitted, and units are limited to 2.5 watts.
This service has been allocated 40 channels at 325 MHz:
ChannelFrequency ChannelFrequency ChannelFrequency ChannelFrequency
1325.000011325.125021325.250031325.3750
2325.012512325.137522325.262532325.3875
3325.025013325.150023325.275033325.4000
4325.037514325.162524325.287534325.4125
5325.050015325.175025325.300035325.4250
6325.062516325.187526325.312536325.4375
7325.075017325.200027325.325037325.4500
8325.087518325.212528325.337538325.4625
9325.100019325.225029325.350039325.4750
10325.112520325.237530325.362540325.4875

Singapore

Since 3 February 2004, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore has allocated the 446.0–446.1 MHz frequency band for low-powered walkie-talkies on a non-interference, non-protected and shared-use basis. As these walkie-talkies are low-powered devices which do not potentially cause interference to other licensed radio services, it need not be licensed for use in Singapore. However, the device must be type approved by IDA for local sale.
These personal radios are generally programmed with the first 8 channels of the PMR446 frequencies.

South Africa

South Africa is in the process of conforming to ITC region 1 recommendations. They do allow 8 channels between 446.0 – 446.1 MHz band currently, this is the same as the European PMR446.
There are two HF AM/SSB CB bands available for use in South Africa, 27 MHz and 29 MHz. There are some radio transceivers sold that include both "27 Megs" and "29 Megs" however some only include one band or the other.
South Africa also has a 23-channel allocation between 29.710 MHz and 29.985 MHz. This service commonly referred to as "29 Megs" or "29 MHz CB". Channels are 12.5 kHz apart. This service is shared between land mobile users, marine users, and civil defense/rural firefighting users. AM mode may be used on any channel, while SSB may only be used on specified channels 29.7475 MHz, 29.8225 MHz, 29.8475 MHz, 29.9475 MHz and 29.985 MHz. Maximum output power is 5 watts carrier power in AM mode and 12 watts PEP power in SSB mode. These frequencies are heavily used by the 4x4 and Land Rover communities as well as by safari companies. The 4-Wheel Drive Club of South Africa uses their own internal channel numbering scheme for these frequencies. Three of these channels are designated for use by marine operators. These frequencies offer excellent range over water and are heavily used by ski boats and fishing clubs, often as an adjunct to the internationally allocated Marine VHF radio band.
South Africa's use of 29 MHz for marine purposes is similar to Australia's use of 27 MHz for marine radio. Australia allows use of the standard 26.965–27.405 MHz AM/SSB 40 channel CB band for land mobile communications plus 10 marine-only AM channels in the 27.68–27.98 MHz band. Many coast guard stations monitor 27 Meg channel 88 in addition to VHF channel 16 for distress, safety information and calling. Several 27 MHz marine transceivers sold in Australia are also available in South Africa. This allows for one transceiver to be sold in both Australia and South Africa.
  1. 29.7100 MHz – Mobile
  2. 29.7225 MHz – Mobile
  3. 29.7350 MHz – Mobile
  4. 29.7475 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile
  5. 29.7600 MHz – Mobile – 4WDC Channel 4
  6. 29.7725 MHz – Marine "Channel B" or "Channel 2" and Mobile – 4WDC Channel 5
  7. 29.7850 MHz – Mobile
  8. 29.7975 MHz – Mobile
  9. 29.8100 MHz – Mobile
  10. 29.8225 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile – 4WDC Channel 3
  11. 29.8350 MHz – Mobile
  12. 29.8475 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile
  13. 29.8600 MHz – Mobile
  14. 29.8725 MHz – Mobile – 4WDC Channel 2
  15. 29.8850 MHz – Mobile
  16. 29.8975 MHz – Mobile – 4WDC Channel 1
  17. 29.9100 MHz – Mobile
  18. 29.9225 MHz – Mobile, Rural Fire Fighting Use
  19. 29.9350 MHz – Marine "Channel A" or "Channel 1" – Marine Calling Channel
  20. 29.9475 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile
  21. 29.9600 MHz – Mobile
  22. 29.9725 MHz – Marine "Channel C" or "Channel 3" and Mobile
  23. 29.9850 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile
South Africa allows use of nine 27 MHz CB frequencies between 27.185 MHz and 27.275 MHz. Maximal output power is 5 watts carrier power in AM mode and 12 watts PEP power in SSB mode. As with the 29 MHz allocation, each frequency is assigned to either AM only or SSB operation. Channels 19–22 are designated for AM use and channels 23–27 are designated for SSB use.

South Korea

UHF-FM 448.750–449.2625 MHz band allocation similar to the American FRS and European PMR446 services. 25 channel FM with 500 mW maximal power output. 12.5 kHz channel spacing with skips. As with FRS/GMRS and PMR446, the use of tone squelch systems such as CTCSS/DCS is encouraged. Like the PMR446, LPD433, Japan's 421–422 MHz SLPR service and KDR444 services, use of these frequencies in countries such as the United States is illegal without an amateur radio license as they fall within the 420–450 MHz 70 cm ham radio allocation.
  1. 448.7500 MHz
  2. 448.7625 MHz
  3. 448.7750 MHz
  4. 448.7875 MHz
  5. 448.8000 MHz
  6. 448.8125 MHz
  7. 448.8250 MHz
  8. 448.8375 MHz
  9. 448.8500 MHz
  10. 448.8625 MHz
  11. 448.8750 MHz
  12. 448.8875 MHz
  13. 448.9000 MHz
  14. 448.9125 MHz
  15. 448.9250 MHz
  16. 449.1500 MHz
  17. 449.1625 MHz
  18. 449.1750 MHz
  19. 449.1875 MHz
  20. 449.2000 MHz
  21. 449.2125 MHz
  22. 449.2250 MHz
  23. 449.2375 MHz
  24. 449.2500 MHz
  25. 449.2625 MHz

    Sweden

Similar to Norway, Sweden also has Jaktradio allocations, 6 channels in the 155.400–155.525 MHz band and 40 channels in the 30–31 MHz band. In addition to these, the general purpose channel 156.000 MHz is available. 156.000 MHz is sometimes included as Marine VHF radio "channel 0" or "M1" channel, allowing communication between portables and radios mounted in boats. Modulation is FM, maximal power 4 watts for 30–31 MHz and 5 watts for 155 MHz.
The 30/31 MHz band is sometimes referred to as "PR31" or "Jakt 31 MHz" to avoid confusion with the 155 MHz Jaktradio frequencies. Due to the proximity of this band in frequency to the 26–27 MHz CB band and the wide availability of modified CB or 10-meter amateur radio transceivers that cover up to 32 MHz, some operations on these channels involve the use of modified equipment.
Handheld radios are available for these frequencies, with some models including both the 30/31 MHz band and the 155 MHz band.
VHF-FM High Band 155 MHz Jaktradio:
  1. 155.400 MHz
  2. 155.425 MHz
  3. 155.450 MHz
  4. 155.475 MHz
  5. 155.500 MHz
  6. 155.525 MHz
  7. 156.000 MHz
VHF-FM Low Band 31 MHz Jaktradio:
  1. 30.930 MHz
  2. 30.940 MHz
  3. 30.950 MHz
  4. 30.960 MHz
  5. 30.970 MHz
  6. 31.030 MHz
  7. 31.040 MHz
  8. 31.050 MHz
  9. 31.060 MHz
  10. 31.080 MHz
  11. 31.090 MHz
  12. 31.100 MHz
  13. 31.110 MHz
  14. 31.120 MHz
  15. 31.130 MHz
  16. 31.140 MHz
  17. 31.150 MHz
  18. 31.160 MHz
  19. 31.170 MHz
  20. 31.180 MHz
  21. 31.190 MHz
  22. 31.200 MHz
  23. 31.210 MHz
  24. 31.220 MHz
  25. 31.230 MHz
  26. 31.240 MHz
  27. 31.250 MHz
  28. 31.260 MHz
  29. 31.270 MHz
  30. 31.280 MHz
  31. 31.290 MHz
  32. 31.300 MHz
  33. 31.310 MHz
  34. 31.320 MHz
  35. 31.330 MHz
  36. 31.340 MHz
  37. 31.350 MHz
  38. 31.360 MHz
  39. 31.370 MHz

    Thailand

Thailand has two 80 channel CB-style services, one in mid-band VHF 78 MHz band and another at high-band VHF 245 MHz band. Both services use FM mode only. Per Thai law, 78 MHz transceivers must have a yellow case. 245 MHz transceivers must have a red case. The HF CB service is not allowed in Thailand. 78 MHz takes the place of traditional 27 MHz CB for truckers, etc.
The 78 MHz CB allocation is primarily used by mobile and base stations, although handheld radios for 78 MHz are available. The lower frequency allows for longer communication range in rural and suburban areas compared to the 245 MHz service. 78 MHz is popular with trucking companies, buses, taxi companies and other transportation users, often in conjunction with 245 MHz. This service is commonly referred to as "CB78", "VHF78", "CB 78MHz" or simply "78 MHz". Frequency allocation is between 78.0000 and 78.9875 MHz. Channels are spaced 12.5 kHz apart for a total of 80 channels in straight numerical sequence. Units are allowed up to 10 watts PEP RF power. External high-gain antennas are permitted. Base station antennas are permitted and base stations are commonly found in this band. Use of selective calling and tone squelch systems such as DTMF, CTCSS and DCS are allowed. According to Thai law, transceivers operating on the 78 MHz band must have a yellow case.
The 245 MHz CB allocation is more popular than the 78 MHz service, especially in urban areas. This service is commonly referred to as "CB245", "VHF245" or "VHF CB 245 MHz". Frequency allocation is between 245.0000 and 245.9875 MHz. Channels are spaced 12.5 kHz apart for a total of 80 channels in straight numerical sequence. Units are allowed up to 10 watts PEP RF power. External high-gain antennas are permitted. Base station antennas are permitted. Besides personal use, the equipment is used by search and rescue organizations, businesses, security guards, taxi companies and delivery services. In urban areas, simplex repeaters, usually mounted on the roofs of high-rise buildings, are used to increase communication range. CTCSS and DCS are often used due to heavy channel congestion in urban areas. Operating rules are less restrictive than amateur radio service, with an initial license fee required. According to Thai law, transceivers operating on the 245 MHz band must have a red case. There are an estimated one million users of the 245 MHz VHF CB service, often in large cities.

Taiwan

Some manufacturers in Taiwan have radios that carry both American FRS and GMRS frequencies, and have additional channels 1 to 99. Channels 1 to 14 are well-known, while channels 15 to 99 are less popular. While radios designed for the Taiwan market have FRS/GMRS frequencies as part of their channel plan, it is still technically illegal to use equipment designed for the Taiwan market in the United States.
FRS, 14 channels, 12.5 kHz spacing:
  1. 467.5125 MHz
  2. 467.5250 MHz
  3. 467.5375 MHz
  4. 467.5500 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  5. 467.5625 MHz – US FRS Channel 8
  6. 467.5750 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  7. 467.5875 MHz – US FRS Channel 9
  8. 467.6000 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  9. 467.6125 MHz – US FRS Channel 10
  10. 467.6250 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  11. 467.6375 MHz – US FRS Channel 11
  12. 467.6500 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  13. 467.6625 MHz – US FRS Channel 12
  14. 467.6750 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input

    United States

In addition to the UHF FRS and GMRS allocation and the high-HF CB allocation, in 2000, the American FCC allocated five VHF channels to the Multi-Use Radio Service. Like CB, MURS frequencies may be used for business or personal/family communications. Two of these frequencies were re-allocated from the Business/Industrial Radio Pool. These two frequencies were often used illegally by businesses as they were/are part of the "color dot" frequencies that handheld "on-site" business radios come pre-programmed with. Channels 1–3 were not allocated as part of the "color dot" frequencies and therefore do not generally have "grandfathered" business users on them.
  1. 151.8200 MHz
  2. 151.8800 MHz
  3. 151.9400 MHz
  4. 154.5700 MHz "Blue Dot"
  5. 154.6000 MHz "Green Dot"
All five channels now see significant use by businesses, as well as mobile-to-mobile users. Use of squelch systems such as CTCSS and DCS on the MURS frequencies is encouraged to facilitate frequency sharing. Voice and data transmissions are permitted on the MURS frequencies. AM and FM modes are permitted on the MURS frequencies for both data and voice transmission. However, store-and-forward digital operations are not permitted and transmitters must not operate in continuous-carrier mode. External antennas are permitted, transmitter output power is limited to 2 watts. MURS is often used for data transmissions as well as portable and mobile voice communications, due to the external high-gain antenna provision, MURS offers the possibility of greater range than FRS. As with CB, FRS and GMRS, there are reports of users using higher-than-legal power levels on the MURS frequencies.

Using HF range

is a family of services available in different countries and with different operating rules, generally using channels in the 27 MHz part of the radio spectrum. 26–27 MHz occupies the "boundary area" between HF and VHF. This means that CB signals provide local coverage similar to low-band VHF during times of low sunspot activity. However, during the peak of the sunspot cycle, CB frequencies exhibit skywave propagation just like the lower parts of HF do, making communication hundreds or even thousands of miles away possible. While some operators seek out long distance "DX" contacts on CB frequencies and on frequencies above channel 40 and below channel 1, interference from distant stations will often make local communication extremely difficult or impossible during band openings. CB was, and still is, designed for short-distance communications needs. US FCC law prohibits communicating with any station more than 250 km on CB frequencies. Like many rules regarding the HF CB services, the distance prohibition is largely ignored and unenforced. Often as a result of channel overcrowding and interference, many HF CB users have turned to purchasing "export" or "10-meter" radios that operate in the legal CB band but also provide access to frequencies above and below the CB band. Other CB users purchase amplifiers to increase their output power and "punch through" interference caused by distant stations. This has created a tragedy of the commons situation in and near the HF CB spectrum. As more users purchase amplifiers and operate on out-of-band frequencies, more interference is produced, forcing others to acquire even more powerful equipment to punch through even more interference, and/or to acquire transceivers capable of accessing more frequencies so that a clear frequency may be found. Many CB users have moved to other personal radio services to avoid these issues.
When first developed in the United States, CB operation required an individual license fee. After the surge in popularity in the mid-1970s, licensing was deprecated. Other countries provided legislation to allow use of similar frequencies and operating modes. The 26.965–27.405 MHz 40-channel American channel plan serves as the frequency plan for many other countries HF CB service, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, most of Central and South America and the European Union. FM may be used throughout Europe on the standard 40 channels – called the "mid band" or "CEPT" channels. Many countries also allow AM in addition to FM or AM/FM/SSB with various different power limits. European standardization allows a maximum of 4 watts FM power or 1 watt AM carrier power.
Others, such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil, allow more than 40 legal channels. Germany has an 80 channel allocation – the 40 CEPT/American channels plus 40 channels from 26.565 to 26.955 MHz in straight 10 kHz sequence. Germany only allows FM on channels 41–80. Brazil allows for 80 channels from 26.965 to 27.855 MHz with AM/SSB permitted. Brazil allows higher power levels than the US and most of Europe. New Zealand has two 40-channel HF CB bands available, the NZ-specific "NZ CB Band" 26.330–26.770 MHz and the standardized "mid band" 26.965–27.405 MHz for a total of 80 HF CB channels.
In Russia, HF CB radio is extremely popular, especially with taxicab, trucking, delivery and general transportation users. Due to the sheer size of Russia and the remoteness of many Russian communities, CB radio is an important resource. Russian CB operators and clubs have installed several simplex repeaters on mountaintops or the roofs of high-rise apartment buildings to increase communication range of low-powered mobile CB radios. Some of these repeaters feature CTCSS/PL tone protection, remote control via DTMF, linking via Internet gateways, simulcasting via several repeaters at once, and cross-band repeat connections to the UHF PMR446 service. Cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg feature motorist emergency services that are directly accessible via a CB frequency monitored by police and other emergency services. Other services provided by cities in Russia include weather broadcasts and travel/traffic information and warnings via specific CB channels.
Due to the rapid proliferation of "open-banded" export equipment that cover wide frequency ranges, Russia allows for two overlapping sets of 3 bands of 40 channels, for a total of 240 channels. 26.515–26.955 MHz, 26.965–27.405 MHz and 27.415–27.855 MHz make up the first set. These are referred to as the "European channels" or the "fives" due to the frequency ending in 5. The second set, known as the "Polish channels" or the "zeros" is 26.510 – 26.950 MHz, 26.960–27.400 MHz and 27.410–27.850 MHz. Multi-norm radios sold in Europe and Asia designed for use in several different countries – with the end-user selecting the "mode" of the country they live in – now come with a "RU" mode that opens the radio to full band coverage. It is important to note that only 26.515–27.855 / 26.510–27.850 MHz is legally permitted in Russia.
Each channel is given an alphanumeric identifier, with the three bands being labeled B-C-D, then the channel number and the last digit of the frequency labeled "E" for the 5 and "P" for the 0. The final letter indicate the mode. For example, 27.185 MHz AM would be designated "C19EA" or "C19EAM". 27.180 MHz FM would be designated "C19PF" or "C19PFM". The B-C-D designation comes from common export radio band labeling. Originally these radios would feature 5 bands labeled A-B-C-D-E, with coverage from 26.065 to 28.305 MHz, later these radios switched to a 6 band configuration A-B-D-C-E-F with coverage from 25.615 to 28.305 MHz, making 26.965–27.405 MHz band D instead of band C.
Originally, Russia used the zero frequency offset in line with the Polish frequency plan. However, in the past 4–5 years, most Russians have switched to the standardized European or American "fives" offset. Due to the use of both frequency plans, many radios sold in the Russian/Eastern European market come with a -5 kHz or +5 kHz switch to quickly change from one channel plan to the other.